School district ends year in the red

July 14, 2014

EAST LIVERPOOL-At last week's board of education meeting, Treasurer Todd Puster informed board members the district would be ending the school year in the red.

Puster reported to the board that he had closed out the district's books earlier than usual this year and, as was expected, found the district was still running a deficit. However, the deficit is about half of what had been forecast, according to Puster. He commented that the reduced deficit is a sign that the district's financial situation is heading in the right direction, but said there is still work to be done.

"One of the issues (Superintendent) Ms. Watson and I will have to work on is how we continue that progress so that we get ourselves on a financial path that is sustainable," said Puster.

In other business, board members welcomed new superintendent, Dr. Melissa Watson. Watson told the board last Monday had been her first day in the office and she had toured the district's facilities with Puster. She said so far she was just "settling in" to the superintendent's role and looked forward to getting to work.

She mentioned briefly the possibility of organizing a back to school bash for the community but said no details have yet to be worked out.

Further business handled by the board included accepting several resignations. Westgate Elementary teacher Catherine Gaston resigned effective July 31 for retirement purposes after 23 years with the district. Jimmy Joe Savage resigned effective June 26 as Sports Information Director for the district. The board thanked both Savage and Gaston for their service and wished them well.

The board also made several appointments. Julie Rae Talbott, Wellsville, was appointed as a third grade teacher at LaCroft Elementary, effective Aug. 25. Jeffrey Wright, East Liverpool, was appointed as intervention specialist at Westgate effective Aug. 25. Appointed as a non certified extra-curricular employee was Shawn Long, East Liverpool. Long will act as assistant varsity boys track coach at the high school. Appointed as a certified extra-curricular employee was Marvin Q. Taylor. Taylor was appointed as varsity golf coach at the high school.